Raising your own chickens for fresh eggs might sound like the ultimate self-sufficiency dream—just imagine grabbing warm eggs from the coop every morning, no grocery trips required! But here on Andersen Acres, we’ve found that while the idea of backyard eggs is charming, the reality is more expensive than many people expect.
Let’s break it down.
🐔 The Startup Costs
First, you’ve got the upfront investment. Chicks might only cost a few dollars each, but you’ll also need:
- A brooder setup with heat lamps
- Bedding and feeders
- Starter feed
- A safe, predator-proof coop (which can run anywhere from $200 DIY to $1000+ prefab)
- Fencing or a run to give them room to roam
Even before your hens lay a single egg, you could be in for several hundred dollars. And that’s just the beginning.
🥚 Ongoing Feed and Supplies
Once your hens are grown and laying, the costs continue. On average:
- Layer feed runs around $20–$30 per 50lb bag. A small flock of 6–8 hens will go through that in 3–4 weeks.
- Grit and oyster shell help with digestion and eggshell strength—about $10 every few months.
- Bedding like straw, pine shavings, or hemp needs regular replacing. Expect $10–$20 monthly depending on how often you clean.
- Supplements and snacks, like black oil sunflower seeds or kitchen scraps, add up too (and let’s be honest—we all spoil our hens a little).
🧼 Time and Labor
Let’s talk about your time. Chickens are low-maintenance for livestock, but they’re not no-maintenance.
- Daily egg collection
- Feeding and watering
- Regular coop cleanings
- Health checks and parasite prevention
- Managing flock behavior (pecking order disputes are real!)
If you ever have a broody hen, an injured bird, or predators in the area, the time and stress increase fast.
💸 What Does That Egg Really Cost?
Let’s say you get 5–6 eggs a day from your flock. That’s about 150–180 eggs a month. But if you spend $40–$60 monthly on feed and bedding, you’re paying about 25 to 40 cents per egg—not counting time, setup, or unexpected costs (like vet bills, fencing repairs, or a raccoon-proofing emergency).
Compare that to a store-bought dozen? The numbers speak for themselves.
💛 But It’s Not Just About the Cost
We still love our chickens. We love knowing where our food comes from. We love the fresh taste of just-laid eggs. And we love watching our hens roam the yard, dig in the dirt, and cluck their little chicken gossip.
But we also believe in being honest about the commitment. Raising your own eggs can be deeply rewarding—but cheap and easy? Not so much.
If you’re thinking about backyard chickens, go in with open eyes—and maybe a spreadsheet.
